Langer hits back at ICC

Australian Test opener Justin Langer says sledging is part of the 'theatre' of cricket and has not damaged the spirit of the game.

Langer's comments come after the ICC warned Australia and South Africa to focus on their coming Test at the WACA and not on sledging each other in the lead-up.

The governing body warned both sides would risk disciplinary action if their verbal banter continued during the series, but Langer says sledging is simply part of the game.

"Muhammad Ali was the king of it, I think Glenn McGrath is the queen of it now ... making big statements," he told ABC Sport."But as I said, I think it's all part of the theatre and it should be taken all in fun."

"There's too many serious things going on in the world to worry about a few bits of banter about what's happening in cricket."